As I take a bite of my mother's beloved Payesh, I'm transported back to the warmth and comfort of our Bengali household. January is a month of indulgences for us - birthday cakes, complimentary desserts, and above all, bowls of creamy rice pudding that have been a staple in our celebrations for years.
In our household, traditional rice pudding is known as Payesh, but it's also referred to by various other names like Kheer, Khiri, Phirni, and more. These names are rooted in Sanskrit, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of our ancestors. What I find fascinating about these different names is that they're not just linguistic curiosities, but also historical reminders of how rice pudding has been an integral part of South Asian diets for centuries.
According to Riyadh-based pastry chef and food journalist Nashwa Ansari, Kheer - the term most commonly used in India and Pakistan - has its origins in Ayurveda, a traditional system of medicine. What I love about Payesh is that it's more than just a dessert; it's a symbol of prosperity, good fortune, and celebration.
As I grew up, I never really appreciated the quiet beauty of Payesh until recently. It wasn't complicated or flashy, but rather simple and humble yet deliciously rich. My mother would often spend hours in the kitchen making it from scratch, and I'd watch in awe as she expertly combined short-grained rice with warm milk infused with jaggery and cardamom.
When my mother's Payesh isn't around, there's a void that can only be filled by recreating the recipe myself. It wasn't easy - I was intimidated at first, fearing it wouldn't taste the same as my mother's - but after some trial and error, I'm pleased to say that I've mastered her secret. And with this recipe, you too can indulge in the creamy goodness of Payesh.
If you're craving something sweet this season, be sure to give this recipe a try. Whether you're lactose intolerant or just looking for a healthier alternative, coconut milk is an excellent substitute for traditional milk. So go ahead and take a bite - I promise you won't be disappointed.
In our household, traditional rice pudding is known as Payesh, but it's also referred to by various other names like Kheer, Khiri, Phirni, and more. These names are rooted in Sanskrit, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of our ancestors. What I find fascinating about these different names is that they're not just linguistic curiosities, but also historical reminders of how rice pudding has been an integral part of South Asian diets for centuries.
According to Riyadh-based pastry chef and food journalist Nashwa Ansari, Kheer - the term most commonly used in India and Pakistan - has its origins in Ayurveda, a traditional system of medicine. What I love about Payesh is that it's more than just a dessert; it's a symbol of prosperity, good fortune, and celebration.
As I grew up, I never really appreciated the quiet beauty of Payesh until recently. It wasn't complicated or flashy, but rather simple and humble yet deliciously rich. My mother would often spend hours in the kitchen making it from scratch, and I'd watch in awe as she expertly combined short-grained rice with warm milk infused with jaggery and cardamom.
When my mother's Payesh isn't around, there's a void that can only be filled by recreating the recipe myself. It wasn't easy - I was intimidated at first, fearing it wouldn't taste the same as my mother's - but after some trial and error, I'm pleased to say that I've mastered her secret. And with this recipe, you too can indulge in the creamy goodness of Payesh.
If you're craving something sweet this season, be sure to give this recipe a try. Whether you're lactose intolerant or just looking for a healthier alternative, coconut milk is an excellent substitute for traditional milk. So go ahead and take a bite - I promise you won't be disappointed.
oh my gosh I'm totally with you on this payesh thing it's like the ultimate comfort food you know? I've had that scene from "The Lunch Lady" where Julia Roberts is singing about comfort food and it's just so me 
. And I love how payesh is more than just a dessert, it's like a symbol of love and celebration - my mom makes this amazing homemade lasagna every winter solstice and it's literally the best thing ever 
. Anyway back to payesh - I'm so down for trying out that coconut milk hack, as a lactose intolerant person I've been stuck in a dessert rut but this sounds like a game changer 
!
. And now, being able to recreate the recipe myself is like, a rite of passage or something 
. Coconut milk as a substitute for traditional milk? Genius idea! 
I'm definitely gonna try that out soon 
.
. The author thinks Kheer has Ayurveda roots, but that's not true 
. It's just rice pudding, period! 
And btw, the recipe is super easy, don't @ me 
. If you're lactose intolerant, using coconut milk is a decent alternative, but it changes the flavor profile 
. Just use short-grained rice, warm milk, jaggery, and cardamom - boom! You got yourself some legit Payesh 
it sounds like your mom's recipe has this special magic to it i feel the same way about my own family traditions when we have desserts or celebrations its always something that brings us together and makes the moment even more special 
and it's SO GOOD!!! I mean, I'm not gonna lie, my mom's cooking is hard to beat but this one's close second 
. Coconut milk is a great substitute for traditional milk too, nice touch 
. And yay for more recipe posts like this one, it's always great to see people sharing their favorite dishes and traditions 
. Anyway, I'm glad you shared your family's secret Payesh recipe! Maybe we can use this as a metaphor for the importance of preserving our cultural heritage in the face of globalization 
maybe one day we can try making it with coconut milk instead of regular milk 
and its like the best part of every celebration 
!
I remember being so intimidated by cooking, but now I'm hooked! There's something so comforting about a warm bowl of Payesh after a long day 
I've been experimenting with different ingredients to make it healthier, like using coconut milk instead of regular milk 
has anyone else tried that out? 
. And don't even get me started on the mobile app - it's always freezing and crashing. Come on guys, can you just get it together? 